Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A solid-state imaging apparatus, comprising: a comparator circuit configured to: compare a pixel signal of each pixel of a plurality of pixels with a reference signal, wherein the reference signal is a slope signal, and a voltage level of the slope signal decreases with passage of time; and determine a plurality of output signals for the plurality of pixels based on the comparison of the pixel signal with the reference signal; and first circuitry configured to: compare, based on the reference signal and the plurality of output signals, a magnitude of a pixel signal of a pixel of interest of the plurality of pixels with a magnitude of a pixel signal each of a plurality of neighboring pixels of the plurality of pixels, wherein the plurality of neighboring pixels is adjacent to the pixel of interest; and hold a result obtained based on the comparison of the magnitude of the pixel signal of the pixel of interest with the pixel signal of the each of the plurality of neighboring pixels.
This invention relates to a solid-state imaging apparatus designed to enhance image quality by comparing pixel signals with neighboring pixels. The apparatus addresses the challenge of noise and signal distortion in imaging sensors, particularly in low-light conditions or high-resolution applications. The comparator circuit compares each pixel's signal with a reference slope signal, where the voltage level of the slope signal decreases over time. This comparison generates output signals for all pixels. The first circuitry then uses the reference signal and these output signals to compare the magnitude of a pixel of interest with its neighboring pixels. The apparatus holds the result of this comparison, enabling noise reduction or other image processing techniques. The neighboring pixels are adjacent to the pixel of interest, ensuring local comparisons for accurate signal correction. This design improves image clarity by mitigating noise and enhancing signal fidelity through precise pixel-level comparisons. The apparatus is particularly useful in digital cameras, medical imaging, and other high-precision imaging applications.
2. The solid-state imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the comparator circuit is further configured to perform analog to digital (AD) conversion of the pixel signal of the pixel of interest based on the reference signal, and the first circuitry is further configured to hold a result of the AD conversion.
A solid-state imaging apparatus includes a comparator circuit and first circuitry. The comparator circuit performs analog-to-digital (AD) conversion of a pixel signal from a selected pixel (pixel of interest) using a reference signal. The first circuitry stores the result of this AD conversion. The apparatus is designed to capture and process image data efficiently, addressing challenges in high-speed, low-power imaging systems. The comparator circuit compares the pixel signal against the reference signal to generate a digital output, which the first circuitry retains for further processing or output. This configuration enhances signal accuracy and processing speed while minimizing power consumption, making it suitable for applications requiring rapid image acquisition and precise data conversion. The system ensures reliable conversion of analog pixel signals into digital form, improving overall imaging performance in devices such as digital cameras, medical imaging systems, and industrial inspection equipment. The apparatus optimizes the conversion process by integrating the comparator and storage functions, reducing latency and improving efficiency in signal handling.
3. The solid-state imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: second circuitry different from the first circuitry, wherein the second circuitry is configured to: perform analog to digital (AD) conversion of the pixel signal of the pixel of interest in parallel with the comparison of the magnitude of the pixel signal of the pixel of interest with the magnitude of the pixel signal of each of the plurality of neighboring pixels; and hold a result of the AD conversion.
4. The solid-state imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein comparator circuit output signals of the plurality of neighboring pixels is connected to the first circuitry of the pixel of interest.
5. The solid-state imaging apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein a number of the comparator circuit output signals of the plurality of neighboring pixels connected to the first circuitry of the pixel of interest is lesser than a number of the plurality of neighboring pixels that are compared with the pixel of interest.
6. An electronic equipment, comprising: a solid-state imaging apparatus including: a comparator circuit configured to: compare a pixel signal of each pixel of a plurality of pixels with a reference signal, wherein the reference signal is a slope signal, and a voltage level of the slope signal decreases with a passage of time; and determine a plurality of output signals for the plurality of pixels based on the comparison of the pixel signal with the reference signal; and circuitry configured to: compare, based on the reference signal and the plurality of output signals, a magnitude of a pixel signal of a pixel of interest of the plurality of pixels with a magnitude of a pixel signal of each of a plurality of neighboring pixels of the plurality of pixels, wherein the plurality of neighboring pixels is adjacent to the pixel of interest; and hold a result obtained based on the comparison of the magnitude of the pixel signal of the pixel of interest with the pixel signal of each of the plurality of neighboring pixels; a signal processing circuit configured to process the result; and an optical system configured to cause incident light to be incident on the solid-state imaging apparatus.
7. A solid-state imaging apparatus, comprising: a comparator circuit configured to: compare a pixel signal of each pixel of a plurality of pixels with a reference signal; and determine a plurality of output signals for the plurality of pixels based on the comparison of the pixel signal with the reference signal; and circuitry configured to: compare, based on the reference signal and the plurality of output signals, a magnitude of a pixel signal of a pixel of interest of the plurality of pixels with a magnitude of a pixel signal of each of a plurality of neighboring pixels of the plurality of pixels, wherein the plurality of neighboring pixels is adjacent to the pixel of interest, comparator circuit output signals of the plurality of neighboring pixels is connected to the circuitry of the pixel of interest, and a number of the comparator circuit output signals of the plurality of neighboring pixels connected to the circuitry of the pixel of interest is lesser than a number of the plurality of neighboring pixels that are compared with the pixel of interest; and hold a result obtained based on the comparison of the magnitude of the pixel signal of the pixel of interest with the pixel signal of the each of the plurality of neighboring pixels.
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March 2, 2021
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